All set for the 2006 World Cup in Germany

By Tichaona Sibanda
05 June 2006

The World’s greatest sporting showcase kicks off in Munich, Germany on Friday with the opening World Cup soccer match between the hosts Germany and Costa Rica.Holders Brazil are big favourites to retain the trophy in a tournament that has 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the second round.

Although Zimbabwe will not be taking part the country is already in a frenzy about the tournament. Our Bulawayo correspondent Themba Nkosi told us Monday world cup fever has hit the country with nearly every conversation now centred on the forthcoming sporting extravaganza.

He said people from all walks of life have temporarily forgotten about their troubles in a country that is fast sliding into anarchy because of an economic meltdown. Nkosi said despite this shops that sell television sets are making brisk business as people rush to buy their TV’s so they can watch from the comfort of their own homes.

‘Everywhere you go now, whether in bars, buses or churches people are talking about the world cup. And most people are tipping Brazil to retain the trophy, while others favour Argentina or the hosts Germany to lift the cup,’ Nkosi said.